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Scotland will be looking to maintain their impressive home record against the Czech Republic when the two sides meet in Euro 2012 qualifying action on Saturday, writes Will Taylor.
These two countries certainly have a competitive history against one another.
The game will see a return to action for Scotland’s talismanic skipper, Darren Fletcher, who will be joined in the middle of the park by Liverpool’s Charlie Adam, in what looks to be a hugely impressive central midfield pairing.
Despite Scotland having won all three meetings between the sides at Hampden Park, they were beaten by the Czechs last October, when the two sides faced each other in Prague. Scottish manager, Craig Levein was heavily criticised for his defensive tactics after the game in which his side were beaten 1-0.
It has been a long time since the Czech Republic last played a competitive international in Scotland. The last meeting was back in 1976, with the hosts running out 3-1 winners.
And there will be a lot riding on this game, with Scotland knowing that nothing but victory will do in their quest for qualification. Aside from Spain, this looked to be a group the Scots could do well in, with Lithuania and Liechtenstein carrying little threat – with many fans disappointed to see their side having only picked up four points so far.
A win for Scotland will see them move to seven points, just two behind the Czech Republic who currently occupy second place. They will also have a game in hand on their opponents, surely putting them in the driving seat for a place in the play-offs.
Match Odds
Scotland will go into the game as the favourites, due to home advantage. Bet365 are offering odds of 2.50 (6/4) for them to come out on top.
Despite winning the home leg, the Czech Republic are the outsiders, with odds of 2.86 (15/8) @ Bet365 that they will win the game.
In seven meetings, there has never been a draw between these two sides, and at 3.30 (11/5), Bet365 do not believe a draw is likely.
Correct Score
There are odds of 6.50 (11/2) for Scotland to mirror the result in Prague, with a 1-0 home win, while a repeat of their 3-1 win from the 70’s is available at 26.00 (25/1)@ Bet365.
For the Czech Republic to forge a repeat of the last meeting between the sides, Bet365 are offering 7.00 (6/1).
First Goalscorer
Kenny Miller is expected to start for Scotland, and is the joint favourite with Milan Baros, according to Bet365, to open the scoring at odds of 6.50 (11/2).
Craig Mackail-Smith has been in the goals for Brighton since his switch from Peterborough in the summer, and he is priced at 7/1.
Recommended Bet
Scotland will have no doubt been boosted by Charlie Adam’s move to Liverpool from Blackpool this summer.
The former Rangers man has already opened his account at Anfield, and is priced at a tempting 9.50 (17/2) @ Bet365 to open the scoring in this game.
Placing £10 on that could potentially return winnings of £95.
